Registered nurses at Northern Maine Medical Center Vote Decisively to Join MSNA/NNOC

Registered nurses at Northern Maine Medical Center (NMMC) in Fort Kent voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to join Maine State Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee (MSNA/NNOC). MSNA/NNOC now represents 90 nurses at Northern Maine Medical Center.

“We are thrilled that our co-workers voted ‘Yes’ to join Maine State Nurses Association," said Brad Martinez, RN in the intensive care unit at NMMC. "Together, we share a vision of improving the level of care our families receive in our hospital."

Nurses at the 40-bed facility say they voted to join their new union because it is critical that nurses have a say in decisions about patient care and about recruitment and retention of nurses, which leads to improved patient care.

"We look forward to sitting down with our hospital administrators to bargain our first contract to ensure that our patients receive the care they deserve,” said Tiffani Daigle, RN in the emergency room at NMMC. “We care about our community. That is why we voted to join the union.”

During the organizing drive, Senator Troy Jackson (D-Aroostook) sent a powerful letter to the nurses in support of their effort thanking them for the “long hours” and “sacrifices” they make to care for patients from the St. John Valley.

“I know it is not always easy to stand up and speak out for what is right. But it is always worth it. It is an honor to represent such fierce and determined patient advocates such as yourselves,” wrote Jackson. “I look forward to celebrating the improvements you will win in your upcoming contract. In the meantime, stay strong. Our community is here to support you.”

Nurses printed the letter and posted it at every clock-in station, all over the cafeteria and on social media. According to to the nurses, they also posted it in group chats where even anti-union nurses acknowledged the letter may have changed their positions on the union. It was a perfect example of why the labor movement needs pro-labor elected officials.

As the new union bargains its first contract, we will provide updates on how you can support them. Congratulations sisters and brothers on your hard-fought victory!